SSPS DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS SOLAR CELLS Substantial data is available on the performance of silicon solar cells. Present silicon solar cells are about 200 microns thick and efficiencies of 15% have been achieved and further increases in efficiency are considered feasible, even with reduced thicknesses. The present technology uses silicon solar cells mounted on rigid substrates with cover glasses bonded to the solar cell to achieve radiation shielding. Advanced technology based on the “roll out” blanket design which exhibits weight-to-power ratios of about 30 Ib/kW, have been fabricated. With improved fabrication techniques, reductions in thickness to less than 100 microns, and use of solar concentrators, solar cell array weights of about 3 Ib/kW are projected to be achievable in 10 years. These projections are based on reasonable improvements for single-crystal silicon solar cells and successful achievement of the goals of the National Photovoltaic Conversion Program being conducted by ERDA. The low solar array weights would be achieved through the use of plastic film to replace the cover glass, and are based on successful laboratory development of such solar cell blankets. Solar concentrators with Kapton film mirrors coated to reflect solar radiation onto solar cells and to filter undesirable portions of the solar spectrum are designed to reduce the area requirements for solar cells and their weight and cost. Figure 3 indicates the arrangements of solar cell arrays and concentrating reflectors. FIGURE 3 DETAIL OF SOLAR COLLECTOR ARRAY
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